Environmental Studies BS

Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the Environmental Studies BS will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form

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Course Requirements

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.330 in the major. All courses taken by a student that are included in a student’s chosen curriculum within the major will be used in calculation of the major GPA. For example, if a curriculum requires a student to select two courses from a particular section and the student completes three courses from that section, all three courses would be used to calculate a student’s major GPA. 

Transfer Credit Policy

For students not continuously registered at UB or who are newly admitted transfer students, courses taken more than 10 years prior to the date of admission or readmission to the University may constitute no more than 20% of a major program in the Environment and Sustainability Degree Programs. At least 50 percent of coursework toward the major must be completed at UB.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this degree will:

• Understand critical concepts in environmental studies in the areas of ecological analysis, conservation biology and general ecology
• Understand the principles and processes of biological evolution; the interrelated physical processes; principles of ecology and ecological research; engage in and understand the processes and techniques of conducting environmental fieldwork
• Understand the interaction of historical, social and political phenomena with environmental issues; identify ethical, spiritual and aesthetic considerations that affect environmental attitudes and behavior
• Understand the foundational statistical methods and computing processes used to evaluate data in the environmental field
• Understand the role of environmental law/regulation in environmental issues; understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental understanding; practice environmental education techniques and strategies
• Understand the professional opportunities available through a well-defined series of Environmental Tracks in the areas of Environmental Policy, Education and Natural Resources
• Gain practical experiences through a variety of field-based courses and diverse opportunities in a well-established Environmental Internship Program
• Understand key concepts in environmental chemistry and the techniques of ecological analysis

(HEGIS: 04.20 ECOLOGY, CIP: 03.0103 Environmental Studies)